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APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR PREDICTING BEER
FLAVOURS FROM CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
C.I. Wilson & L.Threapleton
Coors Brewers, Technical Centre, P.O Box 12, Cross Street, Burton-on-Trent,
DE14 1XH, UK
email christopher.wilson@coorsbrewers.com, lee.threapleton2@coorsbrewers.com
Keywords: Flavour, Sensory, Analytical, Models, Artificial Intelligence, Neural
Networks, Genetic Algorithms.
INTRODUCTION
We all work in an industry where the consumer is king. We are constantly trying to
evolve our products to satisfy the consumer’s changing requirements whilst at the
same time always looking for the opportunity to develop niche products for new
markets. However the relationship between beer flavour and its chemical analysis is
poorly understood.
Should it prove possible to predict final beer flavours according to their chemical
composition, then it would open up the possibility of 'tuning' such products to meet
the expectations of the consumer. The challenge is “Can Beer Flavour Be Predicted
From Analytical Results ?”
Substantial empirical data exists, in disparate data sources, concerning product
chemical and sensory analysis. However, currently there is no mechanism for linking
them to each other. Any such relationships are undoubtedly complex and highly non-
linear. In order to identify such relationships we have turned our attention to the
modern techniques of artificial intelligence, and specifically neural networks and
genetic algorithms.
The former is associated with machine learning whilst the latter is associated with
biological evolution. The development of both these fields can be traced back to the
1960s. However it is only recently, with the rapid expansion in computing power
combined with the availability of packaged software solutions that these techniques
have been moved from the computer science laboratory into industry.
Neural Networks
Neural networks can be visualised as a mechanism for learning complex non-linear
patterns in data. A key differentiator from other computer algorithms is that to a very
limited extent, they model the human brain. This allows them to learn from
experience; i.e. training, rather than being programmed. However training does
require significant quantities of data.
When we were at school we were taught to visualise data by plotting it on a graph and
joining up the data points. We then progressed to using a technique called linear
regression which allowed us to calculate the best gradient and intercept parameters for
a straight line such that the sum of the errors was minimised. Finally, in an attempt to
achieve a better fit we may have used a polynomial curve fitting programme. The
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previously described techniques are particularly suited to simple relationships
involving a very limited number of input variables.
In contrast to this a neural network model can handle multiple inputs. These can be
associated with multiple outputs which are mapped via non-linear relationships. The
process by which a neural network model is developed to provide a best fit function
between an input and output data set is known as training. During this training process
the network modifies its own internal parameters, known as weights, so as to
minimise the difference between the value of the output data set and the values
predicted by the network. A key requirement during training is that over training
should be avoided thus ensuring that only generalised models are developed which
perform equally well on both in sample, and out of sample data. This was achieved
using a technique called ‘Cross Validation’.
Further information concerning neural networks and their application can be found in
references [1], [2] and [3].
Genetic Algorithms
These provide a means of solving complex mathematical models where we know
what a good solution looks like but which can not be solved using conventional
algebra. The basis of this technique is very simple, Darwin’s theory of evolution, and
specifically survival of the fittest. Much of the terminology is borrowed from biology.
A population is made of a series of chromosomes with each chromosome representing
a possible solution. A chromosome is made up of a collection of genes which are
simply the variables to be optimized.
A genetic algorithm creates an initial population (a collection of chromosomes),
evaluates this population, and then evolves the population through multiple
generations. At the end of each generation the fittest chromosomes, i.e. those that
represent the best solution, from the population are retained and are allowed to
crossover with other fit members. The idea behind crossover is that the newly created
chromosomes may be fitter than both of the parents if it takes the best characteristics
from each of the parents. Thus over a number of generations, the fitness of the
chromosome population will increase with the genes within the fittest chromosome
representing the optimal solution. The whole process is similar to the way in which a
living species will evolve to match its changing environment.
Introductory information concerning genetic algorithms may be found in reference [4]
whilst more advanced material concerning their application may be found in reference
[5].
THE FLAVOUR MODEL
Coors Brewers Limited is fortunate enough to have a significant amount of final
product analytical data which has been accumulated over a period of years. This has
been complimented by sensory data which has been provided by the trained in-house
testing panel. The range of analytical and sensory measures available is shown in
table 1.
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Analytical Data - Inputs Sensory Data - Outputs
OG Alcohol
PG Estery
FG Malty
FR (Max) Grainy
Alcohol Burnt
Colour Hoppy
CO2 Keg Toffee
pH Sweet
HPLC Isoacids DMS
HPLC Tetra Warming
Calculated Bitterness Bitter
Diacetyl Thick
Chloride
Sulphate
Acetaldehyde (Max)
DMS
2-Me Butanol
3-Me Butanol
Total IAA
Ethyl Acetate
Iso Butyl Acetate
Ethyl Butyrate
Iso Amyl Acetate
Ethyl Hexanoate
Table 1: Available Analytical Inputs and Sensory Outputs
Initial attempts at modelling the relationship between the analytical and sensory data
were restricted to a single quality and flavour and focussed on mapping all available
inputs through a single neural network as shown in figure 2.
Neural Network
Single
Analytical
Sensory
Inputs
Output
Figure 2: Simple Network
The available data consisted of 350 records which were divided into training (80%)
and cross validation (20%) data sets. The neural network was based on Multilayer
Perceptron (MLP) architecture with two hidden layers. All data was normalised
within the network thereby enabling the results for the various sensory outputs to be
compared. Training was terminated automatically when no improvement in the
network error was observed during the last one hundred epochs. In all cases training
was carried out fifty times to ensure that a significant mean network error could be
calculated for comparison purposes. Prior to each training run the source data records
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were randomised to ensure a different training and cross validation data set was
presented, thereby removing any bias.
The neural network was based on a package solution supplied by NeuroDimension
(www.nd.com).
Results using this technique were poor. This was thought to be due to two major
factors. Firstly by concentrating on a single product quality the amount of variation in
the data was low. This therefore presented the neural network with a very limited
opportunity to exact useful relationships from the data. Secondly it was likely that
only a subset of the available inputs would impact on the selected beer flavour. Those
inputs which had no impact on favour were effectively contributing noise, thus
hindering the performance of the neural network.
The first factor was readily addressed by extending the training data to cover a more
diverse product range.
Identification of Relevant Analytical Inputs
The problem with identifying the most significant analytical inputs was more
challenging. This was addressed by means of a software switch, see figure 3, which
enabled the neural network to be trained on all possible combinations of inputs. The
premise behind using a switch is that if a significant input is disabled then we would
expect the network error to increase, while conversely if the disabled input was
insignificant then the network error would either remain unchanged or reduce, due to
the removal of noise. Such an approach is known as an exhaustive search since all
possible combinations would be evaluated. Although the technique was
conceptionally simple it was quickly realised that with the present twenty-four inputs
the number of possible combinations, at 16.7 million per flavour was computationally
impractical.
Software
Switch
Neural Network
Single
Analytical
Sensory
Inputs
Output
Figure 3: Network with Switched Inputs - Exhaustive Search
What was required was a more efficient method of searching for the relevant inputs.
The solution to the problem was to use a genetic algorithm, see figure 4, which would
manipulate the various input switches in response to the error term from the neural
network. The goal of the genetic algorithm was to minimise the network error term.
The switch settings made when this minimum was reached would identify those
analytical inputs which could best be used to predict the flavour.
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Minimise
Network
Error Genetic
Algorithm
Network
Software Error
Switch
Neural Network
Single
Analytical
Sensory
Inputs
Output
Figure 4: Network with Switched Inputs Controlled by a Genetic Algorithm
The results of this work are summarised in table 5.
Analytical
Sensory Output
Input
Alcohol Estery Malty Grainy Burnt Hoppy Toffee Sweet DMS Warming Bitter Thick
Iso Butyl Acetate No No No No No No No No No No No No
Alcohol No No No No No No No No Yes No No No
Diacetyl No No No No No No Yes No No No Yes No
Ethyl Acetate No No No Yes No No No No No Yes No No
FG No No Yes No No Yes No No Yes No No No
FR (Max) No No No No No No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes
HPLC Isoacids No No Yes Yes No No No No No Yes Yes No
2-Me Butanol No No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No No No
Iso Amyl Acetate No Yes Yes No No Yes No No Yes No No No
Ethyl Hexanoate No No Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes No No No
pH No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes
Chloride No No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
3-Me Butanol Yes No No Yes No No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
Total IAA No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes
OG Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes
PG Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No
Sulphate Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
Acetaldehyde (Max) Yes Yes No No No Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Ethyl Butyrate No No No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Colour No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No
CO2 Keg No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No
HPLC Tetra Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
Calculated
Bitterness Yes Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes
DMS Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Figure 5: Relevant Analytical Inputs as a Function of Sensory Output
The above results suggest that in some instances, i.e. Iso Butyl Acetate there was no
discernable relationship between the analytical input and any flavour whilst in other
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cases, i.e. DMS, the input may impact on a large number of flavours. It was also
evident that typically any one flavour may be influenced by a large number of inputs.
For example the DMS flavour was found to be influenced by fourteen of the total of
twenty four available inputs. Although this work identified which inputs were relevant
it did not allow the relative significance of each input to be calculated.
Prediction of Beer Flavour
Having determined which inputs were relevant it was now possible to identify which
flavours could be more ably predicted. This was done by training the network, using
the relevant inputs previously identified multiple times. Prior to each training run the
network data was randomised to ensure that a different training and cross validation
data set was used. After each training run the network error was recorded. A good
flavour predictor should have both a small network error and associated standard
deviation. The results, see figure 6, indicated that it should be possible to predict the
‘Burnt’ and ‘DMS’ flavours and yet would only poorly predict those flavours with
low scores such as the alcohol flavour.
35.0
Better
Flavour
Predictor
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
Alcohol Estery Malty Grainy Burnt Hoppy Toffee Sweet DMS Warm Bitter Thick
Figure 6: Estimate of Quality of Prediction
However the acid test is “Can the flavour be predicted based on out of sample data”?
To answer this question the available analytical and sensory data was divided into
three unequal sets. These were used respectively for training, cross validation and
testing. The network was trained using the training and cross validation sets. The
testing set, which was comprised of approximately eighty records of out of sample
data, was used for assessing the performance of the trained network.
Firstly we turn our attention to the ‘Burnt’ flavour. A correlation coefficient of 0.87
was achieved showing good correlation between the predicted burnt flavour from the
neural network and the flavour as determined by the sensory results, see figure 7.
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However there are still shortfalls in predicting peak sensory values. Nevertheless this
model does show a degree of robustness.
16
14
12
10
Burnt Flavour
8
6
4
2
0
0 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80
Test Sample Number
Figure 7: Neural Network Burnt Flavour Prediction Vs Sensory Results
Unfortunately one of the shortcomings of neural networks is that they do not explain
their results nor do they provide a readily available mathematical equation. This
disadvantage can be addressed to a limited degree by probing the model to understand
which analytical inputs are important. This process is generally known as sensitivity
analysis. For the ‘Burnt’ flavour each analytical input was individually ‘disturbed’ by
ten percent and the change in output, the predicted ‘Burnt’ flavour was measured and
expressed as a percentage. As can be seen from figure 8 an increase in Carbon
Dioxide was found to decrease the ‘Burnt’ flavour whilst increasing IAA would tend
to promote the flavour. On a cautionary note it should be appreciated that neural
networks simply recognise patterns in data and therefore such sensitivity results do
not necessarily imply a cause and affect relationship.
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Beer Flavour Optimisation
Currently two neural network models have been built, which are to a reasonable
degree able to predict the ‘Burnt’ and ‘DMS’ characteristics. In total these models
have sixteen inputs of which six are shared by both characteristics. The limitation of
these models is that they only predict in one direction. That is, they will only predict
sensory flavours from the analytical inputs. It would perhaps be more useful if they
could be reversed so that given a target sensory characteristic they would calculate the
required analytical inputs. This problem can not be solved by conventional algebra.
However it is known what a good solution would look like, i.e. when the predicted
and target sensory values are identical and therefore it is possible to solve this
problem using a genetic algorithm, see figure 10.
Modify Analytical Inputs to Minimise Difference between Predicted
and Desired Sensory Outputs
Multiple
Embedded
Neural Network Predicted
Sensory
Outputs Desired
Sensory
Relevant Outputs
Genetic
Analytical
Algorithm
Inputs Flavour 'A'
Flavour 'B'
Figure 10: Flavour Optimiser
CONCLUSIONS
Can Beer Flavour Be Predicted From Analytical Results ? Today the answer is a
conditional yes, but only for a very limited number of flavours. Sensory response is
extremely complex, with many potential interactions and hugely variable sensitivity
thresholds, from % to parts per trillion. Standard instrumental analysis tends to be of
gross parameters and many flavour active compounds are simply not measured for
practical or economical reasons. The relationship of flavour and analysis can only be
effectively modelled if a significant number of flavour contributory analytes are
measured. What is more, it is not just the obvious flavour active materials but also
mouthfeel and physical contributors to the overall sensory profile that should be
considered.
With further development of the input parameters the accuracy of the neural network
models will improve.
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FURTHER WORK
However what is most exciting, is that these techniques show much potential. They
have demonstrated an ability to mine data across disparate data sources and develop
credible models. Such models, which can represent complex relationships, can be
used as the basis for process optimisation.
This paper has concentrated on sensory and analytical data. However our business is
much wider than this. Even limiting ourselves to the supply chain, many breweries
have substantial quantities of information relating to:
1. Raw Materials
2. Process Conditions
3. Analytical Results
4. Sensory and Consumer Preference Data
There are some broad understandings of relationships, but a poor understanding
across the whole process. The use of neural networks and genetic algorithms offers
the possibility of modelling across the whole process, from raw materials and process
parameters to the preferences of the consumer.
REFERENCES
1. Swingler K., Applying Neural Networks - A Practical Guide, ISBN
0126791708 - Morgan Kaufman Publishers.
2. Callan R., The Essence of Neural Networks, ISBN 013908732X - Prentice
Hall Europe.
3. Principe J. Euliano N. Lefebvre C., Neural and Adaptive Systems -
Fundamentals Through Simulation, ISBN 0471351679 - John Wiley & Sons.
4. Mitchell M., An Introduction to Genetic Algorithms, ISBN 0262631857 - MIT
Press.
5. Gen M. Cheng R., Genetic Algorithms & Engineering Design, ISBN
0471127418 - Wiley Interscience Publications.
This article has been reprinted with the permission of Coors Brewers Limited and the
European Brewery Convention, from the Proceedings of the 29th EBC Congress -
Dublin 2003.
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